ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice's disciplinary hearing with the NFL likely isn't going to take place until Sept. 30.
The league will address Rice's recent sentencing to 30 days in jail and five years' probation for his role in a March 2024 multiple-vehicle crash in Dallas.
This means that Rice is expected to suit up for the Chiefs for the first four games.
Should this development ease fantasy football drafters' concerns over Rice's season-long value? Or is the fantasy community overlooking potential pitfalls with this timeline?
MORE: Rashee Rice suspension news
Rashee Rice set to play first four weeks of 2025 season
Rice will join Kansas City to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil on Friday during Week 1, followed by a Super Bowl rematch in Week 2 at home against the Philadelphia Eagles.
After a Week 3 clash with the New York Giants, they'll square up in a key AFC clash with the rival Baltimore Ravens.
(Hmmm ... wonder why Rice's suspension has been delayed.... Fine, we're removing our tin-foil hat.)
The delay might be caused by court delays or the NFL wishing to take more time to gather more evidence.
On top of his legal issues, Rice has been dealing with a groin injury, though he did return to practice on Monday, Aug. 12.
This is something to monitor more so now because it's the only thing stopping Rice was playing Week 1.
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Should fantasy drafters still worry about a Rashee Rice suspension?
Yes, Rice is still going to serve a suspension for the crash he caused due to speeding. However, when this suspension is supposed to be carried out is still unknown.
It's uncommon for a disciplinary hearing to take place mid-season such as Rice's.
It is still widely expected that Rice will serve a 4-to-6-game suspension, which could take place from Week 5-11.
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Where should I draft Rashee Rice?
After this news, Rice's ADP is sure to climb in your fantasy football drafts because of his ability to play the first four weeks. However, this is not solely good news for those who drafted or want to draft Rice.
The most likely scenario is Rice getting suspended during this season.
With how late in the season this suspension will take place, Rice could be out critical weeks during which his managers would try to qualify for their fantasy football playoffs.
If anything, avoiding Rice is the best advice because of the lack of clarity surrounding this situation now. Those in leagues with deep benches could draft Rice normally and plan to replace him down the road.
However, unlike the known three-game suspension of Minnesota Vikings wideout Jordan Addison, we still need important details to give a proper inseason outlook.
Draft Rice with caution and backup plans in place.
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